Steve Tisch: Victor Cruz will 'be a Giant'

May 21, 2013
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Free agent Victor Cruz, a wide receiver, runs with the ball during football workouts at Duke University in Durham, N.C., on April 11, 2013. Cruz, who is looking for a long-term deal with the Giants, joined brothers Eli and Peyton Manning for workouts at Duke. / Gerry Broome AP

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

BOSTON â?? Steve Tisch realizes it's futile to predict what the weather for Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey will be this February.

The New York Giants' chairman also understands figuring out the time frame for the re-signing of wide receiver Victor Cruz is just as tough. But he remains confident it's coming.

"We're talking. (Cruz's agent) Tom Condon is talking to (Giants general manager) Jerry (Reese) and I'm personally confident that Victor wants to be a Giant, will be a Giant," Tisch said on his way into the NFL spring meeting. "He's a great guy. It's just taking its time."

A person informed of the progress of talks told USA TODAY Sports last week Cruz and the Giants have made some progress but a deal isn't imminent, despite a report from the New York Post stating the sides were at the "2-yard line."

At this point, it seems they're barely in the red zone, but things could change as the spring winds down. Cruz has yet to sign the tender he was extended as a restricted free agent that would pay him $2.879 million. The Giants could lower the rate to $630,000 if Cruz hasn't signed by June 17, but that might only strain the negotiations.

As for the weather and the forthcoming Super Bowl, both Tisch and team president and CEO John Mara, as well as New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, said they haven't heard from the owners of other cold-weather teams stating their hopes of hosting a Super Bowl are resting on what happens next winter in New Jersey.

Denver will make a pitch to host Super Bowl LII next spring after the league sees how MetLife Stadium and the New York/New Jersey crew handles this upcoming Super Bowl.

Tisch said one of the logistical concerns is the end of Michael Bloomberg's 12-year run as New York City mayor. Tisch said the Super Bowl committee has been in touch with prospective candidates to keep them up to speed.

Jokingly asked if they have to play that field, Tisch replied, "We do. Pun intended. That may be a cold field."